2021 STUDENT ADVENTURE

Wanna get away? Wanna do something epic after this long season of lockdown and staying home*? Wanna help some other people in truly life-changing ways?

 

Of course you do.

 

This summer, The Abide Collective will make another epic journey through some of the most incredible landscapes the United States has to offer. We’ll end up at the Pacific Ocean and then head south into Mexico, where we’ll join Homes of Hope and Olivia’s Basket in building a house for a wonderful family.

 

This trip is open to individuals from 15-20 years of age, of all backgrounds, who are ready for the experience of a lifetime that includes camping, hiking, swimming, whitewater rafting, and whatever other adventures we can find along our 3000 plus-mile journey: two weeks of open roads, towering mountains, high deserts, wild rivers, sandy beaches, starry skies and making lifelong friendships.

 

We’ll also have plenty of time to reflect, ask deep questions and learn to listen in ways that help us navigate this ever-challenging world we live in.

 

* This trip, like everything else in our lives right now, will be dependent on being able to safely travel as a group within all recommended safety guidelines and regulations regarding COVID 19.

 

HERE'S THE PLAN

Sunday, June 27

We’ll meet up in Northwest Arkansas and prep for the trip, making introductions and packing up.

 

Monday, June 28

We’ll hit the road at zero dark thirty and cross the great moat of Kansas to Colorado Springs, where we’ll have some world-class BBQ for dinner at Rudy’s and get our lungs adjusted to the altitude.

 

Tuesday, June 29

This day starts with exploring the epic Garden of the Gods park, doing some hiking and rock scrambling. Then we’ll wind our way into the Rockies to our campsite near Buena Vista.

 

Wednesday, June 30

White Water, you say? On the world-famous Arkansas River? Why of course! The run we take will depend on water levels at the time, but run the river we will.

 

Thursday, July 1

We’ll travel even higher into the mountains, stopping in Vail before finding our campsites at nearly 9000 feet in the Chapman campground on the world-famous Fryingpan River. Here we’ll break out the stand-up paddle boards and fishing rods and settle in for a couple of fun days on the water.

 

Saturday, July 3

From the high country, we venture out into the vast American desert. We’ll end up at maybe my all-time favorite campsite ever in Canyonlands National Park; during our stay we’ll hike, explore and experience the absolute best stargazing you can imagine.

 

Monday, July 5

More canyons? You got it. In the unbelievable land of The Narrows, Zion National Park, we’ll. wade in the Virgin River and hike incredible canyon trails.

 

Wednesday, July 7

We’ll get up super early, break camp and head across the Mojave Desert, ending up with our toes in the sand of the Pacific Ocean at San Onofre. Campfire at our Seacliff campsite that night.

 

Thursday, July 8

We pack up our camping gear one last time and rendezvous with the crew from Homes of Hope before crossing the border and driving to Ensenada, where we’ll settle into our rooms and get an orientation for the build. 

​

Friday, July 9

We’ll get an early start on the first day of the build. Depending on weather and other variables, our family will receive keys to their new house the next afternoon or the morning of the third day.

​

Sunday, July 11

This is our fun day in Ensenada: surfing, shopping and our final campfire together as a team.

​

Monday, July 12

After an early departure from Ensenada, we’ll cross the border and head to San Diego International Airport to catch flights home.

 

What a trip!  

 

Approximately 3200 miles 

 

COST:

A $50 dollar application fee and $3000 trip fee covers all costs, including the house build, with the exception of the cost of transportation to NWA and the cost of transportation home from San Diego at the end of the trip. Help with raising the cost and possible scholarship money is available.

​